Explainer – Russia unfolds annexation plan for Ukraine
London, UKReuters Russia on Tuesday announced plans by separatists in Ukraine to hold referendums paving the way for the formal annexation of swathes of territory after nearly seven months of war with its neighbour, a former Soviet republic. Pedestrians walk past a monument to Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in Luhansk, Ukraine, on 20th […]
Southern Baptists cut ties with LGBTQ-friendly church
United StatesAP The Southern Baptist Conventions’ top administrative body voted to cut ties with two congregations on Tuesday – an LGBTQ-friendly church in North Carolina that had itself quit the denomination decades ago and a New Jersey congregation it cited for “alleged discriminatory behaviour”. The votes of the Executive Committee came at the end of […]
Deadly childhood diseases rise in Ethiopia’s Tigray as war hampers vaccinations
Nairobi, KenyaReuters Deadly diseases such as measles, tetanus and whooping cough are on the rise in Ethiopia’s Tigray region after vaccination rates plunged during the civil war that broke out nearly two years ago, doctors and regional health officials say. The percentage of children in Tigray receiving routine vaccines has fallen below 10 per cent […]
Vatican influence: Is Pope Francis’ diplomacy of dialogue failing?
CLAIRE GIANGRAVÉ, of Religion News Service, reports on how, in Kazakhstan, Pope Francis could not dialogue with Russia or China, but Vatican experts say the real work happens behind closed doors…
US Department of Homeland Security appoints a new 25-member security faith advisory council
United StatesRNS The US Department of Homeland Security has announced the appointment of a new, 25-member faith-based advisory council to assist Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in finding ways to protect houses of worship. The council consists of Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh clergy plus some law enforcement and non-profit faith group leaders. Crime scene tape surrounds […]
Essay: King Charles, defender of faith – what the monarchy’s long relationship with religion may look like under the new sovereign
UK scholar BOB MORRIS, in an article first published on The Conversation, looks at how King Charles III’s relationship with faith may look different from his mother’s…
Polluters must pay, says UN chief, urges taxes to help climate victims
United NationsReuters UN chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged rich countries to tax windfall profits of fossil fuel companies and use that money to help countries harmed by the climate crisis and people who are struggling with rising food and energy prices. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations […]
This Life: God has plans for your life
US columnist CAROL ROUND, in an article first published on ASSIST News Service, says our purpose in life cannot be fulfilled without God…
California legalises human composting bill against opposition by Catholic bishops
United StatesRNS The process of converting bodies into soil is now legal in California after Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday signed a bill that will allow human composting in the Golden State. Burial, cremation and alkaline hydrolysis have been the only death care choices available in California. Beginning in 2027, human composting, or natural organic reduction, will […]